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Political fashion at Calgary Stampede

Champion barrel racer Brittany Pozzi from Victoria, Texas, is competing in this year's Calgary Stampede. She's a real cowgirl — and offers her fashion verdicts on the western fashions of Canadian politicians.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen cheer at the Calgary Stampede parade on July 5.
"This gentleman looks fairly well dressed for the rodeo. He's one of the better ones I've seen. He's got a long-sleeved shirt. The jeans probably aren't Wranglers, but he has on a nice pair of boots. He looks OK, but his hat could probably use a little more of a square shape at the front," Pozzi said. (Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Federal NDP Leader Tom Mulcair:
"He's definitely dressed for the Stampede, wearing the "Hell or High Water" T-shirt, but a sports jacket? The jeans don't appear to be Wranglers and the sports jacket is just a little bit fancy." (Bill Graveland / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, seen flipping pancakes at a Stampede breakfast on July 7:
"This hat is a big no-no. It's too small. I prefer a bigger brim and not so much of a taco shape, but he does have a button-down shirt on and a belt." (Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi;
"Not too much of a cowboy right here. Usually when you're riding, you want your jeans a little bit longer ... and his shirt isn't tucked in. But his hat does have a nice shape. I'm impressed with his hat." (Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Alberta Premier Alison Redford:
"This girl is dressed pretty appropriately for the rodeo, but I would say I don't see many barrel racers wearing white jeans. She has a very nice shirt on and her hat is shaped well. It's good except for the white jeans." (Bill Graveland / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Federal Green party leader Elizabeth May:
"Definitely the broom skirt for an older woman is very fashionable at the rodeo. It is a nice look. But the sheriff pin? That's a dead giveaway. She's here to watch the rodeo." (Bill Graveland / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Alberta Wildrose Opposition Leader Danielle Smith:
"I would say she is very appropriately dressed for the rodeo, except for the sheriff pin, but maybe that's something they all have on for some reason. I think she is very well dressed. No buckle, but I say, hey, if you didn't win one, don't wear one." (Bill Graveland / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau (L) shares a laugh with Mayor Naheed Nenshi at a Stampede breakfast on July 7.
The winner? Smith, followed by Mulcair and Redford.
"The best-dressed is probably this girl," she said of Smith. "She kept it simple. She can go to the Stampede. She can go to the Ranchman's after and I think she'll look suitable at both places."
Redford could have finished higher, Pozzi said.
"She did really well in having an overall good outfit. I didn't love the white jeans. That's probably what got her third place."
And at the bottom of the list? Calgary's mayor.
"He has a nice hat ... but he doesn't have his shirt tucked in, so this is probably our worst-dressed Stampeder." (TODD KOROL / REUTERS)

Thu., July 11, 2013

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